Our business is more than trucks in the dirt

Phakamisa Hard Rock Mining (HRM) is a leading contractor in the South African mining industry. Phakamisa, meaning “to lift up” in isiXhosa and isiZulu, is dedicated to offer the most professional mining services as well as uplifting people.

Seeking to empower people through job creation, the company’s vision is to uplift local communities in their surroundings.

“Phakamisa’s vision and mission involves the local area in which we work,” says Frikkie Vermaak, Chief Operating Officer. “What we as a business get out in terms of the contracts that we work on; we must give back – it is our Christian commitment to always give back.”

Phakamisa upholds sustainable mining practices to ensure their projects are responsibly and professionally managed. What’s more, they are involved with services that are in support of mine rehabilitation. The mining company fosters a culture of “giving back what they get out”.

Being devoted to stewarding their resources wisely, the company wholeheartedly believes in the restorative power of giving those who need a helping hand in life a chance to flourish.

As far as possible, Phakamisa supports existing local businesses. In reaching out to communities, they draw local people in to be trained and used as either part of the workforce or as suppliers.

Added to this, Phakamisa has offered 10 internship positions to young people from surrounding communities. These interns are afforded the opportunity to receive tertiary education as well as a monthly stipend as they gain experience in logistics management at Phakamisa.

The company also promotes and encourages new community-driven business ventures. They empower locals by teaching them trading principles and by giving people the chance to start a prosperous business of their own. Helping to build Enterprise Supplier Development companies is critical. “It’s where our business started many years ago so why not pass on what we have learnt,” says Vermaak.

“At both our Fochville and Klerksdorp sites, we use local taxi services to provide transport solutions for their staff. Members of the local community at Klerksdorp run a wash-bay to keep trucks and equipment clean, and also supply a water cart to help with road maintenance,” says Nkosinathi Nkosi, HR and IR Manager, who is integral in terms of community relationship management.

“In showing these aspiring service providers how to invoice and manage their books, Phakamisa has cultivated a culture that encourages autonomy.”

As part of their ongoing upliftment projects, Phakamisa supports community schools that are raising up educated youth. The company pours resources into this sector by means of supplying food and books to 20 children schooled in Greens Park, and they provide monthly support to a community-run school in Carletonville.

“We have recently partnered with Gracepoint Church, who are doing tremendous work in helping and supporting our communities with their upliftment projects,” said Nkosinathi.

With so many communities across our country in dire need of income, employment and job creation opportunities, it is encouraging to see a company with heart and soul and deeply entrenched values that use initiatives to support and empower others.

“Whilst our business is indeed focussed on trucks and equipment, we care deeply about people too”, says Vermaak.